DATE=8/15/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS UPDATE SHORT

NUMBER=2-306530

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israel is planning to hand control for security in two West Bank cities to the Palestinian Authority early next week. The move is aimed at helping to advance the international "road map" to peace in the Middle East. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israel is preparing to pull its soldiers out of Jericho and Qaliqilya in the West Bank in the next few days, Israeli security officials said Friday.

The deal was reached in late night talks Thursday between Israeli Defense Minister, Shaul Mofaz and Palestinian Security Minister, Mohammed Dahlan.

As part of the agreement, Mr. Dahlan has reportedly guaranteed that the Palestinian police will prevent wanted militants in the cities from carrying out terror attacks.

Under the plan, the Palestinian Authority will also submit proposals to regain security control over two other West Bank cities, Ramallah and Tulkarem.

Israel Television reported that the deal will also allow Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to make a "one-time" visit to the Gaza Strip and return afterwards to his headquarters in Ramallah.

Mr. Arafat has not left the area for more than a year for fear that Israel will deny him re-entry to the West Bank.

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